BY TAYLOR MARSH
The clip above is a point of view I do not share, but it is instructive. Having said that, something was
missing today when Obama met the press.
Obama never spoke to Blago, and he’s
sure no aide of his had any contact over the selling of his Senate seat. But
he’s having his staff “gather the facts” on any contacts his staff
had with Blago’s office. Fair enough. Even better, Obama hopes Governor Blagojevich
resigns. Not quoting Blago, due to family programming, was a moment for Obama, for sure.
However, watching Obama’s press conference on tape, it was clear that he and
his team finally got the message that he needed to come out and say something
more emphatic on the matter.
“[...] Let me be absolutely clear, I don’t think the governor at
this point can effectively serve the people of Illinois. …” –
President-elect Obama
Is he kidding? What in the world would make Obama say “at this point?”
Chicagoans
are firmly behind getting rid of Rod. That’s because Blagojevich, by just
about anyone’s standards, is not ethically competent to hold any public office
“at this point” or any point in the future. So why is Obama willing
to cut him any slack?
Maybe it’s just a matter of style or not having the press conference dynamic
down yet, but I found Obama’s statement on Blago today unimpressive, particularly
on delivery. Obama isn’t involved, which Fiztgerald made clear. However, when
any politician is in a situation like this, caught between a thug and your own
reputation, I find it more credible when he or she doesn’t have to haltingly
read the statement on the matter to the media.
Again, it’s not a matter of Obama being involved with anything having to do
with Blago selling his Senate seat.
But really, where’s the outrage? Why the prissy tip toeing around about Blagojevich,
offering caveats like “at this point,” when anyone who read the complaint
can see the man is either nuts or beyond political redemption?
Mr. President-elect, let’s take it from the top again, sir. This time without
the script. Speak from your gut and quit trying to act presidential.
Your approvals are sky high, but you’re not going to keep them there with performances
like the one today.
Obama’s greatest gift was his relaxed, openly transparent, un-politician like
communication style that connected with the American people. Now, as I proved
through almost two years of writing, Barack Obama is at his core a gifted politician. But he had
a way of not coming across like a politician, which was the beauty of his style.
Now he seems to have already adjusted, but not in a good way. He’s
acting presidential, which comes off fake, overly serious, even too
self-possessed. Already his Saturday YouTube addresses are flat and stiff, with interest in them fading as fast they began. It can be corrected. That
is if someone’s giving him notes.
What Obama made clear is that the Blagos of the political world are why change needs to be made. Obama’s a symbol of this reality. It makes an even better case for Obama to jettison “at this point” rhetorical caveats and get back to telling it like it is with heart and passion. A little indignation on Blago would have gone a long way.
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